Shawn Doucette's Medical Journey

Dear family and friends,

I am undertaking this fundraiser for my younger brother Shawn Doucette and my goal is to raise enough money to support his out-of-province medical treatment for cancer.  Shawn has been accepted in a clinical study at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Hospital in Toronto for Immunotherapy treatment.  The National on CBC recently featured a story on this type of treatment on July 4th 2018. 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/thenational/experimental-no-longer-how-immunotherapy-is-changing-cancer-treatment-1.4734515

Shawn turned 47 this past June and was first was diagnosed with rectal cancer in May 2017 and went through six weeks of radiation mixed with two rounds of chemotherapy.  He was told his cancer was the good kind and was 100% curable.  This past May he was having his last scan to give him the all the clear when he received the devastating news the cancer had metastasized with tumours showing on both of his lungs and liver.  His doctor told him he has a very rare form of the cancer as this type almost never spreads.

Here is the rest of Shawn’s story in his words...

I live in Enfield Nova Scotia and I am the proud father of triplet boys, Corey, Keith and Tyler, who are 14 years old.  Since my divorce they live with me 50% of the time.  It is such a blessing to watch them grow into young men.

Due to the rarity of my cancer, my oncologist in Halifax thought I would be an excellent candidate for a clinical trial at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Hospital in Toronto for Immunotherapy treatment, which is thought to be the future of cancer treatment.  It is the best course of treatment for my condition.  I have agreed to participate in a clinical study which is a huge commitment, involving many trips from Halifax to Toronto and time away from my precious boys.

After much testing and anxiety about being accepted into the clinical study, I finally started my treatment on July 30th.  For the first six weeks, I will be going to Toronto once a week for monitoring and treatment, then once every three weeks after that for 2-3 days for treatment.  I have been told that this treatment protocol will go on for a minimum of two years, with follow-up after that.  This will cause a great financial burden as I am planning to take the first six weeks off at a reduced salary and depending on how my treatments affect me, I may not be able to work much during the two years.  Luckily, I have family and friends in Toronto so accommodations will be covered which I am very grateful for. 

My partner, Nancy, along with so many friends and family have been a huge source of support.  This has been the most stressful time of my life.  I’ve learned I’m a very strong person, with a positive outlook as physically I still feel 100%.  We all have to learn to take advantage of TODAY.  There is always something to enjoy each day.

I would be most grateful for any financial support or other type of support you are able to provide.   All money raised will be used to cover my flight costs, travel from the airport and loss of income to pay living expenses at home.   I will update my Go Fund Me site on my progress during the treatments.  

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and please keep me in your thoughts and prayers during my treatment journey.

Love, Shawn